Synthesizers.com in VCV Rack gives you Moog-like 5U in software, for free

Imagine having access to a full original Moog modular system. Now imagine you could run the whole thing for free – and it won’t take up a wall of your home. Synthesizers.com has brought its MU East Coast-inspired modular to VCV Rack as freeware. It’s also a great place to begin with software modular synthesis.

In Tbilisi, music is on pause because democracy is on the line

It’s another key moment for the democratic movement championed by Tbilisi’s club scene. Georgia has a pivotal parliamentary election tomorrow – one seen as deeply connected to the country’s future and the ongoing war in Ukraine. That prompted the club Bassiani to put on the breaks for tonight. Here’s what music voices are saying about what’s next.

KORG multi/poly – a modeled mono/poly that’s secretly a KAOSS-filled studio

KORG’s new multi/poly is an analog modeling synth, not an analog remake of the Mono/Poly. But it’s the debut of a new platform for the company – and the digital approach could mean a balance of authentic sound with some much-needed new ideas. It’s really a Mono/Poly crossed with some of the best of recent KORG digital synths and modular. And there’s even a dose of KAOSS.

Waldorf Microwave 1 synth is on iPad, and it’s an instant favorite

Microwave’s wavetable synthesis with unique, snappy envelopes and idiosyncratic filter and converters now comes to the iPad. That could make an ideal way to play the Microwave on the go – especially with AUv3 support.

Elektron’s new shiny: Digitone II hardware sequel, Syntakt 1.3 firmware

Elektron is here with (maybe) a reason to sell old Elektron gear and buy something new with Digitone II. That news comes right on the heels of a big 1.3 firmware update, if you’d rather make existing gear better.

Black Noise modules faithfully recreated on VCV Rack – for free

Black Noise just recreated three of its Eurorack modules in software form, including the analog computer-inspired, multifunctional Cosmos. There are even some new features and detailed recreations of the hardware, but incredibly, the whole pack is free and open source (and runs in the free VCV Rack).

Chop, gliss, LFO, filter, select: Sonic Bloom explains Live 12.1 MIDI tools

Ableton Live’s new MIDI tools can be really useful – if you can get the hang of them. For that, we turn to long-time educator Madeleine Bloom for a breakdown.

VDMX6 can now remove backgrounds, blur and overlay faces, and more

VDMX6 promised new features on a new foundation, and Vidvox is already delivering. Protect the identity of faces in video, remove backgrounds, generate QR codes, and more.

Ableton Move guide: tips, tricks, questions answered, hacks

Move, the all-new compact all-in-one hardware platform from Ableton, got your attention – whether you loved it, hated it, or just weren’t sure. So here’s still more detail on Move: what it can do, what it can’t, how it compares, and some tips and hacks for getting more out of it even at v1.1.

AAS has a bunch of free patches for Multiphonics CV-2 modular

Applied Acoustics Systems’ Multiphonics CV-2 can be like having a carefully curated hardware modular rig on your computer – uniquely balanced, doing less with more. AAS has a new free pack showing off those capabilities, launching with a live jam and a bunch of discounts.